Illinois Basketball: 3 keys to beating Houston in Round of 32 matchup
By Tommy Farmer
Make Kyler Edwards Earn Everything
Kyler Edwards is probably Houston’s best scorer. He is a 6’4”, 195 lb. guard who’s extremely tough. Edwards is averaging a team-leading 13.6 PPG, but that is only on a low 36.9% field goal percentage. Edwards was electric against UAB in the Round of 64, where he went for 25 points on 6-8 shooting from behind the arc. In addition, he added seven boards, three assists, a steal, and a block.
This will undoubtedly be a tough matchup for the Illini. Fortunately for them, Trent Frazier and Da’Monte Williams are two guys who have excelled in the defensive stopper role this season. I’d expect Frazier to get the opening assignment on Edwards, but don’t be surprised to see Underwood throw different looks at him.
Key matchups for Saturday's Round of 32 games. dark. Next
If Edwards gives Frazier problems with his size, Williams is a fantastic secondary option to have to throw Edwards’ way. Since Edwards is a volume shooter with a relatively low field goal percentage, Illinois can’t become frustrated if they see a few buckets drop for Edwards. They need to stick on him and continue to make every shot as difficult as possible for him, or else he will make them pay.